50 PRODUCTS THAT SHOULD BE PROTECTED WITH CHECKPOINT LABELS – PT 11
This is it! We’ve made it to the final segment in my 50 items to secure with Checkpoint Labels. At this point, I hope that you’ve found at least one item in here and thought that it made sense to tag. Maybe it helped you to see just how many items were at risk in your store. Whatever the case, I’m glad you stuck around this long and without adieu; I give you the remaining 5 items on my list.
46. Pre-Paid Cell Phones
Popular amongst folks that don’t want to be tied to a monthly contact; and also criminals. Burner phones are the way to go if you’re dabbling in the crime syndicates. With a small percentage of the market catering to a criminal element, it would only make sense to protect these against theft. EAS labels are a fantastic alternative to big bulky cases or cable wraps.
47. Toys
More specifically, Legos. These are some of the hottest targets for ORC groups. They are expensive, small and easy to conceal and can be resold in a matter of minutes on any number of online retail sites. Having Checkpoint Labels on the box with your store name/number will cut down on ORC activity. The boosters don’t want any way for product to be traced back to a specific store and this is one way to make that happen.
48. Denim Jeans
Over my career, I’ve tried dozens of way to protect denim product. From bulky hard tags front and center, to sewn in labels in the rear. Nothing has been quite as effective as a Checkpoint Label dropped into the back pocket of the pants. Thieves never check there and I’ve had huge success using this method. Heck, I can remember one thief in particular who pleaded with me in my office one day to show him where the tag was, as he couldn’t figure out how he missed it. Of course I didn’t give away my secret, and it’s still working for me today.
49. Socks
Another great category that drives shrink and is often overlooked in terms of product protection. While placing the EAS label on the packaging can easily be defeated, I’ve found great success by simply dropping a checkpoint label into one of the socks.
50. Underwear
No one really understands that underwear is one of those hot targets for ORC activity. Next time you’re at a flea-market, pay attention to how many “vendors” are selling packs of undies. Do you really think that each of these people have an account with the major underwear brands? Of course not. Make it easy for law enforcement (and yourself) to identify your stolen goods by using an EAS label with your store name printed on it. Chances are, that alone will keep your product in the store to begin with.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
This is it! We’ve made it to the final segment in my 50 items to secure with Checkpoint Labels. At this point, I hope that you’ve found at least one item in here and thought that it made sense to tag. Maybe it helped you to see just how many items were at risk in your store. Whatever the case, I’m glad you stuck around this long and without adieu; I give you the remaining 5 items on my list.
46. Pre-Paid Cell PhonesPopular amongst folks that don’t want to be tied to a monthly contact; and also criminals. Burner phones are the way to go if you’re dabbling in the crime syndicates. With a small percentage of the market catering to a criminal element, it would only make sense to protect these against theft. EAS labels are a fantastic alternative to big bulky cases or cable wraps.
47. ToysMore specifically, Legos. These are some of the hottest targets for ORC groups. They are expensive, small and easy to conceal and can be resold in a matter of minutes on any number of online retail sites. Having Checkpoint Labels on the box with your store name/number will cut down on ORC activity. The boosters don’t want any way for product to be traced back to a specific store and this is one way to make that happen.
48. Denim JeansOver my career, I’ve tried dozens of way to protect denim product. From bulky hard tags front and center, to sewn in labels in the rear. Nothing has been quite as effective as a Checkpoint Label dropped into the back pocket of the pants. Thieves never check there and I’ve had huge success using this method. Heck, I can remember one thief in particular who pleaded with me in my office one day to show him where the tag was, as he couldn’t figure out how he missed it. Of course I didn’t give away my secret, and it’s still working for me today.
49. SocksAnother great category that drives shrink and is often overlooked in terms of product protection. While placing EAS labels on the packaging can easily be defeated, I’ve found great success by simply dropping a checkpoint label into one of the socks.
50. UnderwearNo one really understands that underwear is one of those hot targets for ORC activity. Next time you’re at a flea-market, pay attention to how many “vendors” are selling packs of undies. Do you really think that each of these people have an account with the major underwear brands? Of course not. Make it easy for law enforcement (and yourself) to identify your stolen goods by using an EAS label with your store name printed on it. Chances are, that alone will keep your product in the store to begin with.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Office supply stores are not without their own headaches. I’m sure there are plenty of you out there reading this that either own, or manage a small business that specializes in this category. Just how many ink pens do you get stolen from every year? Well, it doesn’t have to be a lot, as long as you’re using EAS Labels to cut down on theft. The next 5 items on our list are some of the most commonly stolen office supplies.
41. Ink Pens
How easy is it to steal a pack of ink pens? While $4-$5 here and there may not sound like much, what if someone stole 4 packs of ink pens every single day? That’s nearly $10k in lost revenue. Those dollars add up and they add up quick. Protect your inventory with a Checkpoint Label. Even if you reduce theft by 50%, that’s 5K you’re adding right back to the bottom line with one simple solution.
42. Ink/Toner
There are some bigger tagging options out there for ink and toner, but if you’re looking for a minimalistic approach to security tagging, then an EAS Label may fit the bill. The best method of tagging is achieved by placing the Checkpoint Label inside of the packaging. Since the merchandise can still be removed from the packaging quite easily, you may need to look into other security measures if you find this doesn’t help solve your theft problem.
43. Padfolios/Planners
Ever go out and purchase a good planner? I enjoy my leather planner and I paid somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 for it. When I purchased it, I remarked to my girlfriend how I could have easily switched the tags on the folder for a lesser priced variety. Is this the case in your store? Checkpoint Labels, with the barcode printed on it, can really cut down on the amount of loss, all while not really having an outward appearance of a security device.
44. Calculators
No, I’m not talking about those $2 calculators you can buy at any gas station. I’m talking those $250+ graphing calculators that, even after taking calculus in college, I still have no idea how to use. These are marketed towards students. Students who, in all honesty, don’t have a job and may be struggling to pay for tuition. It’s the perfect first time product to shoplift. It can be easily rationalized and if the product isn’t protected with an EAS label, even easier to steal.
45. Lighters
Ok, well this one isn’t really an “office supply” but you find these things everywhere. Pocket lighters rank as one of the world’s most commonly shoplifted item. They’re small, inexpensive and most retailers don’t bother with any type of security tagging. If you find that you’re losing more than you’re selling, EAS labels may be a viable option to help protect your merchandise.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
In the retail pharmacy business, we sell more than just prescriptions. Our front store’s purpose is to sell high margin items that people may need to go with their medications. We also offer other miscellaneous items that our target shopping audience is looking for such as cosmetics and facial care items. Unfortunately, these items are also usually our top shrink categories. We don’t have to stop shoplifting back in that pharmacy since customers can’t go back there, but catching thieves out on our small sales floor can be a real challenge. That’s one reason we have a Checkpoint security system in place. If it’s mere presence does not deter the shoplifter, it can help catch them.
Our main group of shoppers are women ages 18 to 40. Studies have shown that demographic to be the most prevalent group of thieves, especially in embezzlement cases. So, it’s really no surprise when I find empty packages of wrinkle creams and foundations hidden around the store. Recently though, I have noticed an alarming trend in my cosmetics department. Entire sections are being wiped out. Makeup is expensive; I get that. But this isn’t just one person stealing for themselves for personal use. I believe this person is selling what she is stealing, either online or possibly at the flea market. About two weeks ago was the second time in two months that I have been over in that section scanning all the empty spots and my system is telling me the stuff should be there. There are trays almost completely empty, void of all shades of red lipsticks. Before I went on vacation last week, I decided it was time to put some anti-shoplifting measures into place. When these items came back in on our delivery truck, I applied Checkpoint labels around each tube before putting them out for sale. I didn’t just stop at the red shades though; I didn’t want this person to change her mind and go for the nudes or browns instead! So I took the time and adhered Checkpoint labels to every tube of lipstick. If the thief comes back I want my Checkpoint security system to go berserk when she tries to leave! (I made sure they didn’t cover the UPC or ingredients.) When I came back from my time off, I immediately checked over there, and all my cosmetics were accounted for.
I took a little bit of time and checked the video surveillance system to see if I could find the culprit, but that turned out to be too time consuming. Since I had no idea who has been stealing the makeup, my best option to stop shoplifting is to just make the products less appealing for the criminal. I hope she notices the Checkpoint labels and decides it’s too risky to steal from our store anymore. If she doesn’t notice them, that’s okay too. When she gets too close to the door, the Checkpoint security system will recognize the tags have not been deactivated, and the alarm will sound as soon as she gets too close. Then my staff can apprehend her and recover our merchandise. Either way, we win this. I have to admit that I do love the thrill of catching a thief, but if I can stop shoplifting, that’s even better. I would much rather prevent the loss through deterrence efforts instead.
Get more information on a Checkpoint Security System , contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
50 PRODUCTS THAT SHOULD BE PROTECED WITH CHECKPOINT LABELS – PT9
It’s always good to have a plan when it comes to product protection strategies. Knowing what’s coming into your store and more importantly, what will be stolen, will keep you from losing untold thousands from shoplifting. I know there are quite a few sporting goods retailers out there reading this; and you’re also probably tired of dealing with theft. So as we continue on our list of 50 items to protect with Checkpoint Labels, I want to dedicate these next five to you specifically.
36. Golf Balls
I have seen so many ways that people will steal golf balls. From the straightforward concealment, to hiding those in larger boxes, to switching out the sleeves; if the demand is there, so will theft. One thing I’ve found that will really help cut down on shrink is the use of EAS labels inside the individual sleeves of golf balls, especially on your high end brands. This way, even if a thief does switch the sleeves, the alarm will still sound at the exit or at the point of purchase that should alert your staff to something amiss.
37. Golf Gloves
Depending on the brand, these can be quite pricey and are often overlooked in terms of EAS labels. These are prime targets for your average golfer and also hot targets for ORC activity. Sometimes a simple Checkpoint Label on the rear of the packaging will be enough of a deterrent.
38. Golf Hats
If you’re set up like a pro-shop, you’re going to have all the top brands. Nike, UA, Callaway, and the list goes on and on. Ever think about all those hats you have around the store. With a price point usually around $20-$25, having a few stolen each day can really add up to thousands of lost dollars each year. By placing a small Checkpoint Label under the brim of the hat, you can really make an impact in your bottom line. It’s in my experience that thieves will avoid the items that are security tagged and will follow the path of least resistance.
39. Baseball Gloves
Baseball season can bring in truck-loads of sales to your store, but it can also usher in a whole new set of items that, if left un-protected, will lead to loss. Baseball gloves are one of those areas. Think of all those mid-range gloves that mom and dad may not be able to afford, but little Johnny really wants. Without a solid EAS label, little Johnny might be showing up to practice wearing your lost profit.
40. Baseball Bats
This one gets me almost every year. No matter what I do, someone will try to steal a baseball bat from me at some point in the year. In my area, we rarely see someone conceal a bat, but rather they all tend to gravitate towards price switching. What I’ve found works the best is a Checkpoint Label on all my bats that are priced above $69.99. If someone brings a bat through my register with an EAS Label and it rings lower than $69.99, my cashiers are trained to immediately call for a manager. I catch about a dozen people a year doing this.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
It’s always good to have a plan when it comes to product protection strategies. Knowing what’s coming into your store and more importantly, what will be stolen, will keep you from losing untold thousands from shoplifting. I know there are quite a few sporting goods retailers out there reading this; and you’re also probably tired of dealing with theft. So as we continue on our list of 50 items to protect with Checkpoint Labels, I want to dedicate these next five to you specifically.
36. Golf Balls
I have seen so many ways that people will steal golf balls. From the straightforward concealment, to hiding those in larger boxes, to switching out the sleeves; if the demand is there, so will theft. One thing I’ve found that will really help cut down on shrink is the use of EAS labels inside the individual sleeves of golf balls, especially on your high end brands. This way, even if a thief does switch the sleeves, the alarm will still sound at the exit or at the point of purchase that should alert your staff to something amiss.
37. Golf Gloves
Depending on the brand, these can be quite pricey and are often overlooked in terms of EAS labels. These are prime targets for your average golfer and also hot targets for ORC activity. Sometimes a simple Checkpoint Label on the rear of the packaging will be enough of a deterrent.
38. Golf Hats
If you’re set up like a pro-shop, you’re going to have all the top brands. Nike, UA, Callaway, and the list goes on and on. Ever think about all those hats you have around the store. With a price point usually around $20-$25, having a few stolen each day can really add up to thousands of lost dollars each year. By placing a small Checkpoint Label under the brim of the hat, you can really make an impact in your bottom line. It’s in my experience that thieves will avoid the items that are security tagged and will follow the path of least resistance.
39. Baseball Gloves
Baseball season can bring in truck-loads of sales to your store, but it can also usher in a whole new set of items that, if left un-protected, will lead to loss. Baseball gloves are one of those areas. Think of all those mid-range gloves that mom and dad may not be able to afford, but little Johnny really wants. Without a solid EAS label, little Johnny might be showing up to practice wearing your lost profit.
40. Baseball Bats
This one gets me almost every year. No matter what I do, someone will try to steal a baseball bat from me at some point in the year. In my area, we rarely see someone conceal a bat, but rather they all tend to gravitate towards price switching. What I’ve found works the best is a Checkpoint Label on all my bats that are priced above $69.99. If someone brings a bat through my register with an EAS Label and it rings lower than $69.99, my cashiers are trained to immediately call for a manager. I catch about a dozen people a year doing this.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Return Fraud-4, CP Labels-2, Alpha Shark Tags-3
Return Fraud: Theft By Deception
Many customers today consider a store’s return policy to be synonymous with their level of customer service. Modern customers consider the ability to return merchandise as a right instead of a privilege, and many refuse to shop at stores with strict policies. A lot of stores have lightened up their return policies to the point they are accepting everything, with or without proof of purchase. Unfortunately with the race for grabbing the market share of shoppers, came the trade off for billions of dollars of loss due to return fraud. It has become a monumental problem, and has grown by more than 25% since 1995.
1. Return fraud reduces sales, gross margin, and profit. There is the loss of the profit from the original sale as well as the investment made into buying the merchandise to re-sell.
2. The company loses the time and money spent processing the refund. Then they must determine if the items can be resold. And, if they can be, the loss of time restocking the merchandise back to the shelf.
3. Returns that can’t be resold must then be dealt with, via some form of markdown or just thrown out in the trash. Cosmetics, many clothing items, and even electronics can not be resold for full value if they have been opened and used, even only once.
I deal with returns on a daily basis at the small retail pharmacy I work for. We sell a variety of health and beauty items, and we have a pretty basic return policy. If you have a receipt, you have no problem. Without a receipt, we are supposed to issue a store credit on a card. It works just like cash, and has very few restrictions for what people can purchase with it. It is also completely up to the manager’s discretion whether to accept the return or not. When a customer attempts to return a high retail item without a receipt, I trust my gut more than anything to detect return fraud. We had a guy that was going to some of our stores and trying the same routine at every one of them, and he was very successful. The guy would come in without being seen and go grab a store brand box of hair regrowth formula. Then he would go to the front door and act as though he just came inside. He would come to the checkout and claim he needed to return it because he had an allergic reaction to the product. He would start talking to the cashier or manager, claiming he had talked to our corporate office and they had told him he could get cash back for the item even though he had no receipt. I advised all of our stores to conceal Checkpoint labels inside the box. Sure enough, at the next store he tried, he got back to the front door and the alarm sounded because of the active Checkpoint labels present inside the packaging. BUSTED!
A clothing retailer has a little more of a challenge than the pharmacy business though. People buy clothes many times with no intention of keeping them in the first place. They are what we call wardrobers and they buy it, wear it, and return it expecting a full refund. A new great way to battle this type of return fraud is to attach Alpha Shark Tags to the clothing inventory. (Talk about taking a bite out of crime!) Alpha Shark Tags are a simple tool that becomes a crucial part of the store’s return policy. The tag is designed to be removed at home with a simple pair of household scissors. Once removed, however, the item is no longer eligible for returns. No more buying a party dress to show off for the big neighborhood cookout just to return it two days later, smelling like smoke and spotted with barbeque sauce. Alpha Shark Tags are the new weapon against wardrobers and they are very effective in stopping this especially heinous form of return fraud.
For more information on Return Fraud, contact us or call: 1.770.426.0547
Many customers today consider a store’s return policy to be synonymous with their level of customer service. Modern customers consider the ability to return merchandise as a right instead of a privilege, and many refuse to shop at stores with strict policies. A lot of stores have lightened up their return policies to the point they are accepting everything, with or without proof of purchase. Unfortunately with the race for grabbing the market share of shoppers, came the trade off for billions of dollars of loss due to return fraud. It has become a monumental problem, and has grown by more than 25% since 1995.
1. Return fraud reduces sales, gross margin, and profit. There is the loss of the profit from the original sale as well as the investment made into buying the merchandise to re-sell.
2. The company loses the time and money spent processing the refund. Then they must determine if the items can be resold. And, if they can be, the loss of time restocking the merchandise back to the shelf.
3. Returns that can’t be resold must then be dealt with, via some form of markdown or just thrown out in the trash. Cosmetics, many clothing items, and even electronics can not be resold for full value if they have been opened and used, even only once.
I deal with returns on a daily basis at the small retail pharmacy I work for. We sell a variety of health and beauty items, and we have a pretty basic return policy. If you have a receipt, you have no problem. Without a receipt, we are supposed to issue a store credit on a card. It works just like cash, and has very few restrictions for what people can purchase with it. It is also completely up to the manager’s discretion whether to accept the return or not. When a customer attempts to return a high retail item without a receipt, I trust my gut more than anything to detect return fraud. We had a guy that was going to some of our stores and trying the same routine at every one of them, and he was very successful. The guy would come in without being seen and go grab a store brand box of hair regrowth formula. Then he would go to the front door and act as though he just came inside. He would come to the checkout and claim he needed to return it because he had an allergic reaction to the product. He would start talking to the cashier or manager, claiming he had talked to our corporate office and they had told him he could get cash back for the item even though he had no receipt. I advised all of our stores to conceal Checkpoint labels inside the box. Sure enough, at the next store he tried, he got back to the front door and the alarm sounded because of the active Checkpoint labels present inside the packaging. BUSTED!
A clothing retailer has a little more of a challenge than the pharmacy business though. People buy clothes many times with no intention of keeping them in the first place. They are what we call wardrobers and they buy it, wear it, and return it expecting a full refund. A new great way to battle this type of return fraud is to attach Alpha Shark Tags to the clothing inventory. (Talk about taking a bite out of crime!) Alpha Shark Tags are a simple tool that becomes a crucial part of the store’s return policy. The tag is designed to be removed at home with a simple pair of household scissors. Once removed, however, the item is no longer eligible for returns. No more buying a party dress to show off for the big neighborhood cookout just to return it two days later, smelling like smoke and spotted with barbeque sauce. Alpha Shark Tags are the new weapon against wardrobers and they are very effective in stopping this especially heinous form of return fraud.
For more information on Return Fraud, contact us or call: 1.770.426.0547
